Whether you’re visiting Nashville or you just recently moved here, we have created a list of the things that we think are MUST-DOS in our amazing city!
1. Lower Broadway
Lower Broadway isn’t just for tourists! Even us locals still like to go downtown occasionally for a little honky-tonkin’. There is no shortage of amazing live music venues, shops and restaurants. Visit any bar or restaurant for music of all kinds or catch a show at a larger venue like Bridgestone, Ascend Amphitheater or The Ryman. You can even take a walk across the pedestrian bridge and over to Nissan Stadium.
2. Love Circle
This is an area usually only locals know about, but it’s a perfect place to take a picnic and have a 360-degree view of the city!
3. Hot Chicken
When in Nashville, one must try the hot chicken. Legend has it that hot chicken was originally conceived as a punishment for Thornton Prince, known for his womanizing back in the 1930s. The story goes that he stepped out on his lady one Saturday night. So on Sunday morning, she doused his fried chicken with a heap of hot pepper. He actually liked it so much that he shared it with friends and word quickly spread. Prince’s Hot Chicken is the original Nashville Hot Chicken but you can find many variations of famous Nashville Hot Chicken on almost every menu.
4. The Parthenon
The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact-size replica of the temple in Athens. Visit Centennial Park to take a tour or enjoy a picnic on the grass outside. There’s even a 42-foot-tall replica of the Greek goddess Athena.
5. Fifth and Broadway
This is one of Nashville’s newest attractions. As the largest food hall in the country, it has three levels of dining and entertainment showcasing 20 eateries, two full-service restaurants, 10 bars and three live performance stages. This is a new local favorite!
6. Visit a Museum
There are so many fantastic museums within a short distance of downtown Nashville. The Frist, The National Museum of African American Music, TN State Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame and The Johnny Cash Museum.
7. Brewery Tour
The brewery scene in Nashville has expanded greatly in the past few years. In almost every neighborhood, you can find a local craft brewery. We recommend checking out Diskin Cider, TN Brew Works, Smith and Lentz, Yazoo, Jackalope, Bearded Iris, East Nashville Beer Works, Tailgate, YeeHaw Brewing Company or Black Abbey Brewing.
8. Visit Murals
There are more than 100 murals in Nashville to see by taking a mural tour or by just looking for them while you are out and about in the city. The iconic angel wings in The Gulch are one of the more famous murals in our city. But be prepared to wait in line if you want your photo! There are numerous murals in 12th South, Downtown, East Nashville and The Nations.
9. Hang Out on a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bars have also grown in popularity over the years. Almost all hotels have a gorgeous rooftop bar nowadays with incredible views of the city and some unique themes! A few of our favorites include Bobby Hotel, Rare Bird at The Noelle, The Pool Club at the Virgin Hotel and Nudies Honky Tonk.
10. Visit Unique Neighborhoods
Around every corner is a neighborhood that brings a special character to Nashville, we recommend checking out 12th South, 5 points, Marathon Village, Hillsboro Village, Sylvan Park and One City. Each of these areas has wonderful shopping, restaurants and other businesses and parks that are unique to each neighborhood. They each really show off the things that make Nashville one-of-a-kind.